Character: Matt Laessig

Muscles past the competition

By Kimya Kavehkar | Photo by Sarah Frankie Linder

Published: September 2, 2014

Whether he’s playing with his three sons or working out at a gym, Matt Laessig is always in ninja training mode. The 43-year-old businessman has been hooked on NBC’s obstacle-course show American Ninja Warrior since he first saw it more than five years ago. But there’s more: He’s competed five times, making it to the regional finals twice. His age and size (6-foot-4 and 210 pounds) may put him at a disadvantage against younger competitors, but he doesn’t let that get in the way. “I use it to spur me on,” he says. “My hashtag is #BigOldNinja.”

Why even attempt to be an American Ninja Warrior?
On a fundamental level, I was just compelled to do it. When you’re on the course, you’re just thinking about pushing yourself to the maximum of what you’re capable of. That just appealed to me. I’ve always had a maybe-delusional belief that I can do things.

What’s your training like at its peak?
In the months leading up to the season, I try to do something every day. On weekends, I’ll have a couple of hard workouts, like go to the gym and do cardio and weights. During the week, when it’s hard to have a big block of time, I do stuff at home, like pushups, pull-ups or handstand presses while waiting for dinner.

How do you go toe-to-toe with such intense athletes?
I’m not part of the elite guys, but on any given day I can beat any of them. That’s part of what’s exciting for the viewer. I think determination and mental focus matter a lot, and I’d like to think that come game day, I perform as well or even better than I do other days.

What would you consider success for yourself?
The competition is structured for you to ultimately fail, so nobody at the end of the season is terribly content. There’s always that last obstacle you fell on. I really want to make the national finals in Las Vegas before the ride is through. I’ve just missed two of the last three years, so it’s driving me crazy. I’m super determined for next year.